Chapter 13:
Meanwhile in rainy London, Emma had been sleeping hazily all day.
Her body felt increasingly worse, early pregnancy symptoms fraying her nerves. She’d found a nearby hospital and planned to see a doctor. Emma thought to get her prenatal report from her suitcase.
But after checking three times, she couldn’t find it.
Emma froze.
Had she really left something so important behind?
Would James find it?
He’d always wanted children – if he discovered her pregnancy, the divorce would get more complicated.
The thought made her more anxious.
But then she figured James was probably busy comforting his mistress, tumbling between sheets – why would he have time to worry about her?
Worst case, she could secretly retrieve the report when returning for the divorce.. Being weekend, Emma could only get a Monday appointment.
As she dozed on the couch, Sarah returned, noticing Emma’s constant sleeping lately.
She brought Emma warm water, asking concernedly: “Emma, you seem so tired lately. Are you feeling sick?”
Hiding things from her best friend felt wrong, but Emma hadn’t decided about the baby yet, so she lied: “London’s always rainy and cold – I just like staying in and.
sleeping.”
Sarah smiled: “Sleep if you want, but I have good news. There’s a brand recruitment next week – want to go? Their style matches yours perfectly.” Emma hadn’t designed in three years and doubted herself.
“Sarah, you think I can do it?”
Sarah acted shocked: “What? Our design genius lost confidence? See what hanging around that loser did? Keep that James trash far away! My Emma’s always, the
best!”
Sarah had always been dramatic – Emma was used to her carefree nature.
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She couldn’t help laughing, her mood lifting.
Seeing Emma smile, Sarah moved closer, declaring: “I seriously worry you’ll take James back if he apologizes! You have to pinky swear you’ll never go back!”
Emma had to comply, linking pinkies with Sarah.
But Sarah started crying.
Her voice shook: “They say best friends are the second lead – now I understand.” Emma comforted her: “You mean James’s birthday?”
Sarah nodded, rambling: “Yes! The gift you worked so hard on – he threw it away like trash! Remember? You didn’t even blame him, thought it was your fault, kept. self–reflecting. I told you not to love so submissively, but you wouldn’t listen.” It was true – James had always sneered at Emma’s work, even throwing away her handmade gifts.
James had berated her: “You give me this worthless thing and expect me to display it in my office? What would my employees think? You only care about your
happiness – did you consider my feelings?”
Those few sentences had sent Emma into deep self–doubt, believing everything was her fault.
Looking back, she’d been crazy to let James manipulate her like that.
Emma clenched her fists at the memory.
Sarah continued fueling the fire, listing countless of James’s faults.
All things Emma had once overlooked, but now remembered clearly. She suddenly admired herself for lasting ten years with this callous man, betrothed to him since birth.
Now, perhaps her life was truly beginning.
